When and How to Get an Urgent Care Doctor's Note for Work

When You May Need a Doctor's Note

If you are feeling unwell or have suffered an injury, you may need to take time off work to recover. In some cases, your employer may require you to provide a doctor's note to verify that the reason for your absence is legitimate. Here are some situations where you may need to visit an urgent care clinic and get a doctor's note for work, according to DrHouse.com.

Reasons for needing an urgent care doctor's note for work

• Illness: If you have a contagious illness such as the flu, COVID-19, or strep throat, you may need to stay home from work until you are no longer contagious. A doctor's note can provide proof of your illness and help your employer know how much time you may need to recover.
• Injury: If you have suffered an injury such as a sprain or fracture, you will likely need some time off work to recover. Once again, a doctor's note can provide proof of your injury and give a recommended timeframe for being off work.
• Medical appointment: If you need to attend a medical appointment during work hours, a doctor's note can be an acceptable way to verify your absence and get the time you need off.
• Family emergency: If you need to take time off work to care for a family member who is ill or has suffered an injury, a doctor's note can be used to verify the nature of your time off.

Common Illnesses and Injuries That May Require an Urgent Care Doctor's Note

If you are feeling unwell or have suffered an injury, you may need to take time off work to recover. Depending on your employer’s policies and the amount of time you need to take off, you may be required to provide a doctor's note to your employer to verify your absence and verify when you would be fit to return to your duty. Here are some common reasons why you may consider getting a doctor's note from urgent care:

• Influenza
• Strep throat
• COVID-19
• Sprains or strains that involve your muscles or joints
• A bone fracture

How to Get an Urgent Care Doctor's Note

If you need a doctor's note for work, an urgent care clinic is a fast and cost-effective way to get one. It's important to know what steps to take to obtain one, so here are some tips to help you get the documentation you need.

Steps For Getting a Doctor's Note From Urgent Care

1. Find an urgent care near you that accepts your insurance. You can use Solv to help you find the best urgent care clinics in your area.
2. Call ahead to make sure the facility can provide you with a doctor's note if your urgent care provider agrees that your condition requires a leave of absence from work.
3. Schedule an appointment if necessary or simply walk in during the clinic’s walk-in hours.
4. Explain your situation to the doctor and request a note for work. Your doctor may need to do an exam or recommend testing to confirm your diagnosis. If you need treatment, you can also get that done.
5. Follow any instructions the doctor gives you for obtaining the note.
6. Make sure to follow any follow-up instructions, which may include another visit to confirm you are well enough to return to work once your note expires.

What to Bring With You When You Get a Doctor’s Note From Urgent Care

To make the process of obtaining a doctor's note as smooth as possible, it's important to bring the following items with you to your appointment:

• Your insurance card and your personal identification card
• Any records you may have confirming that you have/had the illness
• A list of any medications you are taking
• Any relevant medical records or test results
• A description of your symptoms or condition
• Your employer's requirements for the doctor's note

Tips for Communicating With Your Doctor

To ensure that your doctor understands your situation and can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, it's important to communicate effectively. Here are some tips to help you do so:

• Be honest and open about your symptoms and medical history.
• Provide as much detail as possible about your condition.
• Ask questions if you don't understand something the doctor says.
• Follow any instructions the doctor gives you for treatment or follow-up care.

Submitting A Doctor's Note to Your Employer

Once you have obtained a doctor's note, it is important to submit it to your employer as soon as possible. This will ensure that your employer is aware of your absence and the reason for it. Here are some additional steps to consider:

• Make a copy of the original doctor's note for your own records.
• Deliver the original doctor's note to your employer as soon as possible. You can do this in person, by email, or by fax.
• Make sure that you follow any specific instructions or policies by your employer regarding how to submit the doctor's note.

If your employer requests additional information or clarification regarding your doctor's note, it is important to respond promptly and provide the necessary information. You may need to contact your doctor's office or the urgent care clinic you received your note from and ask them to provide additional information or clarification.

What Happens if You Don’t Get a Doctor’s Note

Each employer has a different policy regarding the need and use of doctor’s notes. For some employers, if you fail to obtain a doctor's note you may face disciplinary action or even termination from your job. It is important to understand the policies of your specific employer. These policies are usually available by speaking to your supervisor or human resources.

The Importance of Obtaining a Doctor’s Note

Getting a doctor's note for work is important for some companies. Be aware of your employer’s specific policy regarding time off and doctor’s notes so that you are prepared if you ever need one.

If you do find yourself needing a doctor’s note, you can get one at most urgent care clinics—but make sure to call ahead to verify that they can help you.

Use Solv to search for an urgent care clinic near you.